The Cubs are expected to pursue Rafael Furcal, Atlanta's free-agent shortstop, who is 27 years old and will command a three- or four-year deal for around $8 million per season. Despite a slow start in '05, Furcal has a .339 on-base percentage leading off, with 38 steals. He's also fifth in the NL in fielding percentage and has great range at shortstop. Furcal's agent is Paul Kinzer, who has a good relationship with Cubs general manager Jim Hendry. Hendry said Saturday that the "only viable" leadoff man in the system is center fielder Felix Pie, who will wind up missing the final 21/2 months with Double-A West Tenn with a severe ankle injury. Pie will play winter ball in the Dominican Republic and is expected to compete for a roster spot next spring, but the Cubs can't count on him being the leadoff man. "Getting the right leadoff guy is important," Hendry said. "We all know it's important, but as we all know, there are only five or six of those true guys in the game."